ASEAN and Japan to Deepen Health Cooperation on Healthy Ageing and Universal Health Coverage

ASEAN and Japan will strengthen their health partnership through more structured, long-term cooperation, identifying healthy ageing and sustainable Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as key priorities in tackling regional health challenges. This commitment was made during the inaugural ASEAN-Japan Health Ministers’ Meeting, co-chaired by Malaysia’s Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Japan's Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, Ueno Kenichiro.

The meeting, held under the theme "Longevity with Dignity: Advancing Healthy Ageing and Sustainable Universal Health Coverage across ASEAN and Japan," was convened during the 17th ASEAN Health Ministers’ Meeting (AHMM) in Kuala Lumpur. Minister Dzulkefly emphasized that combining ASEAN's collective strength with Japan's longstanding expertise and innovation would help shape practical solutions for healthy ageing and resilient, people-centred health systems.

Dzulkefly expressed appreciation for Japan’s unwavering support in advancing ASEAN's health priorities, which have yielded meaningful outcomes in health workforce development, disease prevention, disaster health management, and healthy ageing through the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI). He also noted progress in public health emergency preparedness through the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED).

The discussions are expected to build a solid foundation for healthy longevity across the region, paving the way for the adoption of a Joint Statement and a clear roadmap for strategic cooperation. The meeting also concluded the 17th AHMM, held from September 7 to 11 with Malaysia serving as Chair and Myanmar as Vice-Chair.